10 Korean Dramas with Great Beginnings that Decline in Quality by the Finale

Drama Dilemmas: A Closer Look at Recent Hits and Misses

My Demon

Despite experiencing disappointing domestic ratings of below 5%, My Demon achieved notable success throughout Asia. The drama drew in viewers with its visually stunning leads, Kim Yoo Jung and Song Kang.

However, the series faced challenges within Korea, culminating in a mere 3.5% nationwide rating for its finale—an underwhelming result for a prime-time SBS weekend drama. Critics pointed to its overly extended and predictable plot as a key drawback. Furthermore, the performances of the lead characters attracted negative feedback; Kim Yoo Jung’s portrayal of a sophisticated heiress was perceived as overly tense, while Song Kang’s acting failed to leave a lasting impression.

In the final episode, Jung Gu Won and Do Do Hee’s reunion offered a happy resolution but failed to satisfy many fans, who found the conclusion both incomplete and harsh. This ending, reminiscent of Goblin, suggested a tragic eternal cycle for Gu Won, who would ultimately face the loss of Do Hee, leaving viewers emotionally unsatisfied.

Chicken Nugget

In contrast to her lead role in My Demon, Kim Yoo Jung played a supporting character in Chicken Nugget, which introduced chaos and depth to the storyline. The drama gained initial acclaim for its quirky premise, where Choi Min Ah, portrayed by Kim Yoo Jung, accidentally transforms into a chicken nugget due to her father’s mysterious invention. Yet, as the series unfolded, it veered into bizarre territory.

Backlash particularly arose from Arab audiences, who criticized the show for its lack of respect towards cultural elements. The time-travel conclusion failed to tie up significant storylines, rendering its thematic message ambiguous, if not entirely nonsensical.

Dear Hyeri

Dear Hyeri proved to be a missed opportunity for Shin Hye Sun, an actress celebrated for her impactful performances. The series began as a touching narrative about a girl grappling with dissociative identity disorder. Sadly, the protagonist evolved into a superficial figure, entangled in romantic relationships without regard for depth or responsibility.

The male lead’s toxic behavior drew ire from critics, particularly regarding the unrealistic manner in which the female lead forgave him. Meanwhile, the well-deserving second lead experienced unjust treatment throughout the plot. The controversial finale culminated in a romantic scene in a reed field, a location tied to a previous tragic event involving the female lead’s sister, prompting outrage from viewers.

Sweet Home 3

As the third installment of the Sweet Home franchise, this drama exemplified the pitfalls of a series that has extended its narrative past the point of natural conclusion. While the initial season was well-received and adhered closely to the source material, the third season faltered with weak storytelling and poorly developed character arcs.

The hastily assembled conclusion and unnecessary sacrifices of secondary characters were met with disapproval, as audiences noted a deficiency in emotional depth compared to the original material, leaving fans disheartened.

Queen of Tears

Despite its impressive cast, including Kim Soo Hyun and Kim Ji Won, Queen of Tears did not live up to audience expectations. Although it presented a purportedly “happy ending,” the conclusion felt unconvincing and disconnected from earlier character arcs.

A particularly awkward scene depicted Baek Hyun Woo, the male lead, as an elderly man visiting his wife’s grave before reuniting with her in the afterlife. This seemingly unnecessary addition diminished the overall emotional experience, leaving the audience feeling unsettled.

1. Something in the Rain

Something in the Rain initially hooked audiences with its engaging “noona” romance, led by the charming Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In. Despite its foundation as a relatable slice-of-life series, it squandered potential by becoming mired in melodrama and complicated side stories, failing to maintain viewer interest throughout the series.

Something in the Rain Son Ye Jin and Jung Hae In

2. Penthouse

Penthouse captivated audiences across Asia with its thrilling plot focused on elite society, even without a star-studded cast. It surpassed viewership records in 2021, yet eventually faced scrutiny over a perceived decline in scripting quality towards its conclusion. The pattern of repeatedly killing and reviving characters, combined with exaggerated plot elements, detracted from its logical progression.

3. Itaewon Class

Itaewon Class debuted to significant success, showcasing Park Seo Joon’s character on a quest for revenge and entrepreneurship. However, the series faced backlash as it progressed; viewers noted that the character arcs and romantic lines deteriorated, leading to an unsatisfactory ending.

4. Cheese In The Trap

Another one of the most disappointing entries in recent years is Cheese In The Trap. Based on a popular webtoon with a devoted fanbase, expectations were high for this melodrama. Unfortunately, as the plot unfolded, the series deviated significantly from the source material, with even the male lead seeing less screen time than the piano of supporting character Seo Kang Joon.

5. The Legend Of The Blue

Featuring renowned actors Lee Min Ho and Jeon Ji Hyun, The Legend Of The Blue enjoyed high anticipation among viewers. However, contrary to expectations, the storyline of a romance between a mermaid and a con artist quickly turned tedious as the series progressed, proving that star power alone cannot determine a drama’s success.